Calculate 15 × 2 – 2 × 8 – 7

The problem requires us to determine the value that replaces the question mark '?' in the following mathematical expression:

$15 \times 2 - 2 \times 8 - 7 = ?$

Apply Order of Operations

To accurately solve this arithmetic problem, we must follow the established order of mathematical operations. This order dictates the sequence in which different mathematical functions (like multiplication, division, addition, subtraction) should be performed. The standard convention is often remembered as PEMDAS or BODMAS.

• Parentheses / Brackets
• Exponents / Orders
• Multiplication and Division (from left to right)
• Addition and Subtraction (from left to right)

In our expression, $15 \times 2 - 2 \times 8 - 7$, we have multiplication and subtraction.

Step-by-Step Solution

We will perform the calculation following the order of operations:

1. Perform Multiplication: Multiplication operations are done before subtraction.
   • First multiplication: $15 \times 2$
   • Second multiplication: $2 \times 8$
2. Substitute Results: Place the results of the multiplications back into the expression.
3. Perform Subtraction: Carry out the subtraction operations from left to right.

Detailed Calculation Steps:

1. Calculate the first multiplication term:

   $15 \times 2 = 30$

2. Calculate the second multiplication term:

   $2 \times 8 = 16$

3. Now, substitute these results back into the expression:

   $30 - 16 - 7 = ?$

4. Perform the subtractions sequentially from left to right:

   First subtraction: $30 - 16 = 14$

   Second subtraction: $14 - 7 = 7$

Result Verification

The final result of the calculation is 7.

Let's compare this with the provided options:

• Option 1: 9
• Option 2: 7
• Option 3: 11
• Option 4: 10
• Option 5: None

Our calculated value of 7 matches Option 2.